The trial of a Riverside man accused of murder has been delayed. Washington County Attorney Larry Brock says the trial of 70 year old Thomas Lee Hansen has been moved to April 17th of next year at the request of Mr. Hansen and his attorney. The original trial was set for January 24th.

Hansen was arrested May first and is accused of shooting 54 year old Sharon Kay Gerot while she was riding on a lawnmower in rural Riverside. Bond was reduced to one point four million dollars in August.

A pretrial conference will be held on March 30th. Attorney Brock says that a criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the person charged is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. KCII will bring you more information as it becomes official.